Apparatus and method for controlling display of electrical program guide

ABSTRACT

An improved apparatus is provided to attain enhanced convenience in controlling display of an electrical program guide with a smaller number of manipulating keys. An EPN mode for displaying the electrical program guide includes a main mode to display program information in a main window, a command mode to display EPN command icons in a command window, and an input mode to display an input window for entry manipulation corresponding to a specific command item. And the operation is shiftable to any of such modes selected by manipulation of a command key or an EXE key. In the main mode, there is set either a mode to display broadcast program information or a mode to display recorded program information on the basis of tape library data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical program guide displaycontrol apparatus and an electrical program guide display control methodfor managing information of a multiplicity of broadcast programs andalso information of programs recorded by a VTR (Video Tape Recorder) andthen producing a display output of such managed information as a programtable.

2. Description of the Related Art

Programs of television broadcasts and so forth are transmitted to usersvia space or through cable television (CATV) via cable.

A user then selects a desired program out of those of the transmissionchannels and views the selected program on a television receiver orrecords the same by a VTR. In such a case, it is generally customarythat the user makes a selection of a desired program while reading aprinted program table.

However, as seen in a cable television broadcasting system for example,the number of transmission channels amounts maximally to 150 or so, andit is not easy for the user to search for a desired program from aprogram table where programs of, e.g., 150 channels are listed.

For the purpose of realizing an easy search for a desired program, thereis proposed a technique of inserting data of a program table of eachchannel in the vertical blanking interval of a video signal of aspecific channel in such a manner as not to cause any disturbance to thetelevision signal of the program. Meanwhile on the receiving side, theuser displays the transmitted program table data on a television screenand, after searching for the channel, selects a desired program of thechannel.

Such program table data is also termed an electrical program guide. Theprogram information in this electrical program guide includes, forexample, names of scheduled programs to be broadcast from receivablestations, and broadcast time slots corresponding to the programsrespectively.

The user selects a desired program while watching the electrical programguide displayed on the screen, and then receives and views the selectedbroadcast program or reserves timed recording of the selected program.

It may naturally be considered that, relative to any video tape (tapecassette) where some broadcast programs have been recorded, the userwants to refer thereto, as an electrical program guide, with regard tothe program information representing the names of the recorded programsand the recording order thereof.

To meet such requirement, there is proposed an apparatus wherein, on theVTR side for example, the information relative to the recorded programon the video tape is stored in a predetermined area on the magnetictape, and later the area of such program information is reproduced, sothat the program information recorded on the video tape is displayed.

However, the above function is an independent one which is additionalfor the VTR and is different from the aforementioned electrical programguide display function. For any user utilizing an AV system equippedwith such electrical program guide display function for example, it ispreferred that the functions be dealt with integrally, since theelectrical program guide display function and the VTR-recorded programinformation display function are mutually identical in the point ofdisplaying the information relative to the programs. For example, if thetwo program display functions are dealt with integrally as oneelectrical program guide, the user is enabled to refer more simply tothe information relative to the entire programs.

In any of the electrical program guides known heretofore, display of anelectrical program table is executed by using the entire display screen.In this case, when the functions furnished to serve as an electricalprogram guide are performed by command manipulation to carry out changeof the displayed program information contents, retrieval thereof andvarious settings in accordance with the classified items of programinformation, the entire picture on the screen is changed in conformityto the content of such command and is therefore rendered quite differentfrom the prior content displayed anterior thereto, hence raising aproblem of inconvenience for the user. Such a problem becomes moreconspicuous with advanced diversification of the information to bedisplayed as an electrical program guide or with expediteddiversification of the functions.

As for control of various settings and so forth on an electrical programguide, it has been customary that first an individual button or cursorcorresponding to the function to be controlled is displayed, and then arequired manipulation is executed on the picture by the use of a remotecontroller or the like. In this case, the number of buttons to bedisplayed or the number of keys in a remote controller manipulated bythe user is increased in accordance with advanced diversification of thefunctions to consequently complicate the manipulation. In order to avoidsuch intricate manipulation, there may be contrived a technique ofemploying a common button for a plurality of functions. However, in thiscase also, some difficulties are existent in properly actuating the keyto be manipulated if no consideration is given to the display format,whereby the user may be confused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the problems mentioned, it is an object of the presentinvention to realize an improved apparatus and method adapted to attainenhanced convenience in controlling display of an electrical programguide.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided anelectrical program guide display control apparatus comprising: abroadcast program information storage means for storing, as broadcastprogram information, the information relative to broadcast programsextracted from predetermined positions of video signals; a recordedprogram information storage means for storing, as recorded programinformation, the information relative to broadcast programs recorded inrecording media; another recorded program information storage means forstoring the recorded program information produced inclusively of recordhistory information relative to the broadcast programs recorded in therecording media; and a display control means capable of displaying, asan electrical program guide to provide the program-related information,the program information relative to both of the broadcast programs andthe recorded programs on the basis of the broadcast program informationstored in the broadcast program storage means and also the recordedprogram information stored in the recorded program information storagemeans.

In this apparatus, the display control means is capable of displaying,as an electrical program guide, at least a program information area inthe form of a window to display the program information, a command areain the form of a window to display items for selecting a manipulationcommand relative to the program guide, and an input area in the form ofa window to display items for inputting a required parametercorresponding to the selected manipulation command.

The apparatus of the present invention further comprises a manipulationmeans for controlling required manipulation on the displayed picture ofthe electrical program guide. This manipulation means comprises a firstmode change manipulator for selectively changing the operation to anelectrical program guide display mode or a normal image display mode; asecond mode change manipulator for selectively changing the operation toa mode where a manipulation on the program information area is renderedactive in the electrical program guide display mode, or to a mode wherea manipulation on the command area is rendered active in the electricalprogram guide display mode; a third mode change manipulator forselectively changing the operation to a mode where a manipulation on thecommand area is rendered active, or to a mode where a manipulation onthe input area is rendered active; and a cursor motion manipulatoradapted for manipulation relative to at least the motion of a cursor orsetting of parameters on the program information area, the command areaand the input area.

And according to another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an electrical program guide display control method whichexecutes display control by: storing the broadcast program informationrelative to broadcast programs extracted from predetermined positions ofvideo signals; storing, as recorded program information, the informationrelative to broadcast programs recorded in recording media; anddisplaying, as an electrical program guide to provide theprogram-related information, the program information relative to both ofthe broadcast programs and the recorded programs on the basis of thestored broadcast program information and also the stored recordedprogram information.

In the above constitution, both the broadcast program information andthe recorded program information on video tape or the like can beprocessed by a single electrical program guide function.

The display format of the electrical program guide is different from theknown one that the program guide displayed in the entire picture on thescreen is completely changed in accordance with the display content, andinstead the guide is divided into a program guide display area, acommand display area and an input display area on the screen. And itbecomes possible to execute various control manipulations with regard tothe electrical program guide on any of such display areas.

Further, the manipulation means can be composed merely of a small numberof keys, such as those necessary for shifting the operation to aselected mode set in the electrical program guide, and directionindicating manipulators such as cursor keys for inputting upward,downward, leftward and rightward indications.

The above and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following description which will be givenwith reference to the illustrative accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structural example of an electricalprogram guide display control apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an EPN-control key manipulating portion in aremote controller;

FIG. 3 is a chart-like explanatory diagram showing transitions of modesin the EPN;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing transitions of modes in the EPNwith display formats;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing the contents of displayin a MAIN window;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of concrete displayformats of a MAIN window and a COMMAND window;

FIGS. 7A to 7D are explanatory diagrams showing functions allocated tokeys in a MAIN mode;

FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams showing the contents of displayin the COMMAND window;

FIGS. 9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams showing the contents of displayin an INPUT window;

FIGS. 10A to 10E are explanatory diagrams showing examples ofmanipulations in the EPN;

FIGS. 11A to 11F are explanatory diagrams showing other examples ofmanipulations in the EPN;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing operation to display theEPN;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another processing operation to displaythe EPN;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a further processing operation to displaythe EPN; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an even further processing operation todisplay the EPN.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter a preferred embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 through 15.

Explanations thereof will be given in the following order.

1. Structural example of electrical program guide display controlapparatus according to embodiment

2. Mode transition of EPN in embodiment

3. Explanation of main window

4. Explanation of command window

5. Explanation of input window

6. Manipulation examples in EPN

7. Explanation of processing operation

1. Structural Example of Electrical Program Guide Display ControlApparatus According to Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structural example of an electricalprogram guide display control apparatus according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as will bedescribed later, information of broadcast programs and information ofthe programs recorded on a video tape by a VTR are outputted to bedisplayed as an electrical program guide. This program guide will bereferred to as EPN (Electrical Program Navigator) below.

In FIG. 1, broadcast waves received by an antenna 1 are supplied to atuner 2, where a received channel is selectively tuned in. A videosignal of the channel thus selected is supplied to both a videoprocessor 4 and an EPN controller 8, while an audio signal is suppliedto an audio processor 3.

The audio signal inputted to the audio processor 3 is processed in apredetermined manner and then is delivered as an audio output signalAudio Out therefrom. The audio processor 3 is connected to an audiorecording/reproducing head H_(A) in a VTR 11. And in a recording mode,the audio signal processed in the audio processor 3 is supplied to theaudio recording/reproducing head H_(A), which then records the audiosignal on a magnetic tape T. Meanwhile in a reproducing mode, the audioprocessor 3 is supplied with the audio signal reproduced from themagnetic tape T by the audio recording/reproducing head H_(A) and, afterprocessing the input signal in a predetermined manner, delivers an audiooutput signal Audio Out therefrom.

The video processor 4 is capable of processing the input video signal ina predetermined manner and then delivering the processed video signal toa video recording/reproducing head HV in the VTR 11 and also to anon-screen display (OSD) 5.

In this case, as a recording operation of the VTR 11 in the recordingmode, the video signal processed in the video processor 4 is supplied tothe video recording/reproducing head HV to be thereby recorded on themagnetic tape T. Meanwhile in the reproducing mode, the video processor4 is supplied with the video signal reproduced from the magnetic tape Tby the video recording/reproducing head H_(V) and, after processing theinput signal, delivers the processed signal to the on-screen display(OSD) 5.

In the on-screen display 5, a video signal representing a requiredcharacter, symbol or the like is superimposed on the video signalsupplied from the video processor 4, whereby the character, symbol orthe like is superimposed at a predetermined position on the image beingdisplayed on a monitor unit 12.

A video switch 6 selectively switches or composites the normal videosignal outputted from the on-screen display 5 (the video signal obtainedthrough reception and channel selection in the tuner 2, or the videosignal reproduced in the VTR 11) and the video signal of the EPN pictureoutputted from an undermentioned EPN controller 8. In the video switch 6employed in this embodiment, it is possible to composite the videosignal of the EPN picture outputted from the EPN controller 8 with thevideo signal outputted from the on-screen display 5, thereby imposingthe EPN video signal on the normal picture on the display screen of themonitor unit 12 to consequently display the EPN picture in the form of awindow.

The monitor unit 12 displays the video signal supplied thereto from thevideo switch 6.

In the VTR 11, the audio and video signals supplied respectively fromthe audio processor 3 and the video processor 4 are recorded on themagnetic tape T by the audio recording/reproducing head H_(A) and thevideo recording/reproducing head H_(V) respectively. Further the audioand video signals recorded on the video magnetic tape T are reproducedtherefrom by the audio recording/reproducing head H_(A) and the videorecording/reproducing head H_(V) respectively, and then are supplied tothe audio processor 3 and the video processor 4 respectively.

In this embodiment, a control action for recording and reproduction inthe VTR 11 is executed in a tuner/timer controller 7, and the program ofthe channel received and selected by the tuner 2 can be recorded throughthe control action of the tuner/timer controller 7. Also due to thecontrol action of the tuner/timer controller 7, the broadcast program(of the channel received and selected by the tuner 2) can be recordedwith timed reservation on the basis of a designated selection channel, areserved recording time and so forth.

A control head Hc in the VTR 11 records and/or reproduces a controlsignal generated in response to a vertical sync signal and used forattaining synchronism in the reproducing mode, and further records, inthis embodiment, a data signal of record program information outputtedfrom a system controller 9 in such a manner as to superimpose this datasignal on the control signal. And in the reproducing mode, the controlhead Hc reproduces the data signal of record program informationrecorded together with the control signal on a control track of themagnetic tape T, and then supplies the reproduced data signal to thesystem controller 9.

The tuner/timer controller 7 serves to control a channel selection ofthe tuner 2 and a timer recording reservation of the VTR 11.

The EPN controller 8 executes control of the EPN display output and thedisplay thereof.

In this embodiment, data signals of the electrical program guide used asguide information relative to broadcast programs are inserted inpredetermined horizontal lines during the vertical blanking interval ofthe video signal sent from the transmitting side. Then the EPNcontroller 8 is supplied with the video signal obtained throughreception and channel selection by the tuner 2 and, after extracting thedata signal component of the electrical program guide from the videosignal, decodes the extracted signal component to thereby acquire theelectrical program guide data. The electrical program guide data thusdecoded is stored in a data memory 10. If necessary, an EPN video signalis produced by reading out the electrical program guide data stored inthe data memory 10 (and undermentioned tape library data) and then issupplied to the video switch 6, whereby the EPN is displayed on themonitor unit 12.

The system controller 9 consists of a microcomputer for example andserves to control the processing of each function circuit. The systemcontroller 9 is equipped with an unshown receiver which receives aninput signal transmitted from a remote controller 13 as commandinformation. And in response to such command information, the systemcontroller 9 executes a control action for each of the function circuitsdescribed above.

The data memory 10 consists of a nonvolatile memory for example and hasan area for storing the electrical program guide data relative to thebroadcast program obtained in the EPN controller 8 as mentioned.

This embodiment is so constituted that, when recording a broadcastprogram by the VTR 11, required data (hereinafter referred to as tapelibrary data) relative to the record program is produced in the EPNcontroller 8 as a recording event in such a manner that propercorrespondence is ensured to the video tape where the program isrecorded, and such tape library data is stored in the data memory 10.For this purpose, the data memory 10 includes a tape library memory 10 aas an area for storing the tape library data.

Hereinafter “electrical” program guide data relative to broadcastprograms and tape library data will be collectively referred to as EPNdata.

Regarding the contents of the tape library data, the data required forattaining proper correspondence to the program-recorded video tapeincludes data of the cassette number of the program-recorded video tapeand also data indicating the recording order of the programs recorded onthe video tape. In the case of this embodiment, it is necessary toprovide, by the aforementioned control head Hc, at least the cassettenumber data and the program data signifying the identities of therecorded programs and the recording start positions thereof on the videotape.

As for the information relative to each of the recorded programs,various data may be considered inclusive of the program name, the startand end times and so forth. Such information relative to the programscan be produced on the basis of the electrical program guide datacorresponding respectively to the recorded programs.

The remote controller 13 is equipped with various keys to performrequired manipulations with regard to the respective operations of thefunction circuits shown in this diagram, and a command signal composedof infrared rays or electric waves is transmitted by a manipulation ofeach key.

FIG. 2 illustrates the positions of keys disposed on a key panel of theremote controller 13 to perform various manipulations, as will bedescribed later, on an EPN picture according to this embodiment.

In this diagram, there are shown an EPN key 13-1, a command key 13-2 anda joystick 13A.

The EPN key 13-1 is used for selectively changing the operation to a“normal mode” to display a normal picture (image obtained throughreception and channel selection by the tuner 2, or image reproduced bythe VTR 11), or to an “EPN mode” to display an EPN picture. The commandkey 13-2 is provided for shifting the operation in the “EPN mode” to aMAIN window (MAIN mode) or a COMMAND window (COMMAND mode).

The joystick 13A comprises four direction indicating keys inclusive ofan up key 13A-1, a down key 13A-2, a right key 13A-3 and a left key13A-4, and an EXE key 13A-5. The four direction indicating keys are usedfor moving an undermentioned color bar or cursor displayed on the EPNpicture in accordance with the direction of manipulation of each key,and also for incrementing or decrementing an input numerical value oron/off setting by the up key 13A-1 or down key 13A-2. Hereinafter suchfour direction indicating keys will be collectively referred to ascursor keys, since these are used principally for moving a color bar orcursor.

And the EXE key 13A-5 is used for shifting the operation with an EPNpicture to a COMMAND window (COMMAND mode) or an INPUT window (INPUTmode), as will be described later.

2. Mode Transition of EPN in Embodiment

Referring next to FIGS. 3 and 4, an explanation will be given on a modetransition of EPN in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a chart showing theconcept of an EPN mode transition in this embodiment, and FIG. 4 showsan EPN mode transition together with display of a window on an EPNpicture.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, a normal mode is an ordinary one for displaying animage obtained through reception and channel selection by the tuner 2 ora video image reproduced by the VTR 11 as described. In this embodiment,an EPN mode for displaying an EPN picture is set in contrast with thenormal mode. Selective change of the operation to the normal mode or theEPN mode is executed by manipulating the EPN key 13-1 shown in FIG. 2.

In the EPN mode, there further exist a MAIN mode, a COMMAND mode and anINPUT mode.

In this embodiment, when the state of normal mode is changed to the EPNmode by a manipulation of the EPN key 13-1, first the operation entersthe MAIN mode, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In the MAIN mode, a MAIN window W1 for example is displayed within thepicture P on the screen, as shown in FIG. 4. In this case, the image inthe normal mode for example is displayed continuously in any other areaof the picture P other than the MAIN window W1. In a modification, ablue background may be displayed as well.

In the MAIN window W1, program information of the electrical programguide (program information of scheduled broadcast) is displayed inaccordance with a display mode based on an undermentioned displayformat, and also information of the program recorded already on thevideo tape by the VTR 11 of the relevant apparatus is displayed inaccordance with a navigate mode.

In this case, navigate modes selectable in the MAIN mode include, asshown in FIG. 3, “All channel navigate”, “This channel navigate”, “Alltape navigate” and “This tape navigate”, of which definitions will bedescribed later.

If the command key 13-2 is manipulated during the MAIN mode selected inthe EPN mode, the operation is changed from the MAIN mode to the COMMANDmode, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this state, a COMMAND window W2 isalso displayed in addition to the MAIN window W1, as shown in FIG. 4.This COMMAND mode is selected when executing a desired specificmanipulation relative to the EPN, and various command items aredisplayed within the COMMAND window W2 to execute the specificmanipulation.

In the display state of FIG. 4 during the COMMAND mode, the content inthe MAIN window W1 is denoted with oblique lines, while the content inthe COMMAND window W2 is expressed with white characters on a coloredbackground, signifying that the COMMAND window W2 is an active one wheresome display is performed to indicate that a manipulation with thecursor key shown in FIG. 2 is effective.

In FIG. 3, a total of six manipulation items are described with regardto the COMMAND window W2, such as [source change/extension change] . . .[EPN set up], which will be mentioned later.

Next, when the EXE key 13A-5 is manipulated during the COMMAND mode inthe EPN mode and in a state where a certain specific manipulation itemis selected, the operation is shifted from the COMMAND mode to the INPUTmode as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this INPUT mode, an INPUT window W3is also displayed in addition to the COMMAND windows W1 and W2, as shownin FIG. 4. In this case, the INPUT window W3 is rendered active as seenfrom that the display content in the INPUT window W3 alone is expressedwith white characters on a colored background.

The INPUT mode is selected for inputting a required parameter or thelike belonging to the manipulation item specified in the COMMAND windowW2 for example, and a display is so executed in the INPUT window W3 asto enable input of such a parameter.

In FIG. 3, a total of six input items are described with regard to theINPUT window W3, such as [rec input] . . . [tape edit], which will bementioned later.

Upon completion of proper input of a required parameter or after amanipulation of the EXE key 13A-5 during the INPUT mode, the operationis shifted to the COMMAND mode.

When the EPN key 13-1 is manipulated during any mode selected in the EPNmode, the operation is returned directly to the normal mode.

3. Explanation of MAIN Window

Hereinafter an explanation will be given on some concrete displayformats of MAIN window W1, COMMAND window W2 and INPUT window W3 eachdisplayed as an EPN picture described in FIGS. 3 and 4. First, the MAINwindow W1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

FIG. 5A shows divided display areas of the MAIN window W1 illustrated inFIG. 4.

As shown in this diagram for example, the MAIN window W1 is divided intofive display areas of status area (A1), prog info area (A2), time infoarea (A3), listing area (A4) and detail box (A5).

FIG. 5B shows display contents in the respective display areas of theMAIN window W1 in the individual modes.

As described, four navigate modes of “All channel navigate”,“Thischannel navigate”, “All tape navigate” and “This tape navigate” are setin the MAIN mode. First, the definitions of such navigate modes will beexplained below.

“All channel navigate” is a mode for providing entire informationrelative to programs being broadcast or those scheduled to be broadcastsubsequently to the current time, and “This channel navigate” is a modefor providing information relative to a program being broadcast orprograms scheduled to be broadcast subsequently to the current time in acertain channel specified by a predetermined manipulation.

Meanwhile, “All tape navigate” is a mode for providing, with referenceto the entire tape library data stored until then in the tape librarymemory 10 a, the information relative to the entire programs recorded inall video tape cassettes until then by the VTR 11. And “This tapenavigate” is a mode for providing the information relative to theprograms recorded in one video tape cassette selected by a predeterminedmanipulation out of all video tape cassettes recorded until then by theVTR 11.

Thus, the EPN display content is properly changed through selectiveswitching of the four navigate modes to consequently switch the functionas an electrical program guide relative to the broadcast programs ofentire channels or any specific one thereof, or to switch the functionas an electrical program guide relative to the recorded programs in theentire tape cassettes or any specific one thereof recorded until then bythe VTR 11.

This mode switching operation can be performed by selecting a desiredcommand item on the COMMAND window W2 and executing a requiredmanipulation.

According to FIG. 5B, the status area (A1) is a region for displayingthe current status (of navigate mode) in the EPN, hence signifying whichone of the aforementioned four navigate modes is currently set.

The prog info area (A2) is a region for displaying the informationrelative to the program (where the cursor is placed) selected currentlyin the listing area (A4). And when the operation is in “All channelnavigate” mode or “This channel navigate” mode, the channel numbercorresponding to the broadcast program, the start/end times of theprogram and so forth are displayed. Meanwhile, if the operation is in“All tape navigate” mode or “This tape navigate” mode, there isdisplayed the information inclusive of the number assigned to theprogram-recorded video tape (i.e., tape number), the program start/endpositions on the tape and so forth.

The time info area (A3) is used for displaying the current timeregardless of any mode.

The listing area (A4) is a region for displaying the program informationper row in accordance with the attribute of the mode displayed in thestatus area (A1). In “All channel navigate” mode or “This channelnavigate” mode, the information inclusive of program name, programlength (or start time) and broadcast channel is displayed in a visuallyrecognizable manner. Meanwhile in “All tape navigate” mode or “This tapenavigate” mode, the information inclusive of program name, programlength (or start position) and program-recorded video tape No. isdisplayed.

The detail box (A5) is used to display some comment on the programselected in the listing area (A4). In this case, if the operation is in“All channel navigate” mode or “This channel navigate” mode, characterdisplay (1st detail) signifying the summarized content of the program isexecuted on the basis of the electrical program guide data. In thisembodiment, however, it is defined as non-display in “All tape navigate”mode or “This tape navigate” mode.

FIG. 6 shows a concrete display example of the MAIN window. In thiscase, an icon signifying “All channel navigate” mode is displayed in thestatus area (A1), and the start/end times of a program name “Sisters”selected in the listing area (A4) are displayed with bars in the proginfo area (A2), and further the current time is displayed withcharacters in the time info area (A3). A program name, a broadcast starttime and a broadcasting station name are displayed in the listing area(A4). In this exemplary diagram, a color bar CB (corresponding to acursor) is placed in the column of the program name “Sisters” toindicate that the program “Sisters” is currently selected. And a commentrepresenting the summarized content of the program “Sisters” isdisplayed in the detail box (A5).

FIGS. 7A to 7D show functions allocated to EPN key 13-1, command key13-2 and cursor keys (13A-1-13A-4) in the MAIN mode. The EXE key 13A-5is not used in the MAIN mode, and its manipulation is invalid in thismode. FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D represent examples in “All channelnavigate” mode, “This channel navigate” mode, “All tape navigate” modeand “This tape navigate” mode, respectively.

In any of the four modes selected in the MAIN mode, as will be seen fromthese diagrams, the operation is returned to the normal mode in responseto a manipulation of the EPN key 13-1 or is shifted to the COMMAND modein response to a manipulation of the command key 13-2. When the up key13A-1 or the down key 13A-2 is manipulated as a cursor key, the colorbar CB in the listing area (A4) is shifted per column in accordance withthe direction of the manipulated key to thereby change the selectedprogram.

Meanwhile, when the right key 13A-3 or the left key 13A-4 is manipulatedas a cursor key, the definition thereof is different depending on thenavigate mode selected in the MAIN mode.

In “All channel navigate” mode, as shown in FIG. 7A, a function of “nexttime slot” is allocated to the right key 13A-3, and a function of“previous time slot” to the left key 13A-4, respectively. In this case,when the right key 13A-3 is manipulated, programs in the next broadcasttime slot are displayed as a list in the listing area (A4). Meanwhile,when the left key 13A-4 is manipulated, programs in the previousbroadcast time slot before the program being displayed currently aredisplayed as a list in the listing area (A4).

In “This channel navigate” mode, as shown in FIG. 7B, a function of“next channel slot” is allocated to the right key 13A-3, and a functionof “previous channel slot” to the left key 13A-4, respectively. In thiscase, when the right key 13A-3 is manipulated, programs of the nextchannel number subsequent to the channel being specified currently aredisplayed as a list in the listing area (A4). Meanwhile, when the leftkey 13A-4 is manipulated, programs of the previous channel number priorto the channel being specified currently are displayed as a list in thelisting area (A4).

In “This tape navigate” mode, as shown in FIG. 7D, a function of “nexttape slot” is allocated to the right key 13A-3, and a function of“previous tape slot” is allocated to the left key 13A-4, respectively.In this case, when the right key 13A-3 is manipulated, the programsrecorded on the next-numbered video tape subsequent to the video tapenumber being specified currently are displayed as a list in the listingarea (A4). Meanwhile, when the left key 13A-4 is manipulated, theprograms recorded on the previous-numbered video tape prior to the videotape number being specified currently are displayed as a list in thelisting area (A4).

4. Explanation of COMMAND Window

Next, a concrete display format of the COMMAND window W2 will beexplained with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C.

FIG. 8A shows divided display areas of the COMMAND window W2. As shownin this diagram, the COMMAND window W2 is divided into eight displayareas A10-A17 where command icons are to be displayed. In thisembodiment, two display modes of a command_0 mode and a command_1 modeare prepared for the COMMAND window W2. The command_0 mode and thecommand_1 mode are so defined that command icons displayed in thedisplay areas A10-A17 become mutually different. More specifically, inthe command_0 mode, command icon 0_0-command icon 0_7 are displayed inthe areas A10-A17 respectively; while in the command_1 mode, commandicon 1_0-command icon 1_7 are displayed in the areas A10-A17respectively.

Therefore, it is possible in this embodiment to set and display amaximum of sixteen command icons in the COMMAND window W2 having eightdisplay areas, so that more functions can be displayed in the COMMANDwindow W2 within the limited display space according to this embodiment.

Changing the command_0 mode and the command_1 mode is executed bymanipulating the command key 13-2, as shown in FIG. 8C. For example,when the command key 13-2 is manipulated in the MAIN mode, the operationis shifted to the COMMAND mode, where the command_0 mode is selected.And if the command key 13-2 is manipulated in this state, the COMMANDmode is maintained while the command_0 mode is changed to the command_1mode. Further, upon another manipulation of the command key 13-2 in thisstate, the operation is returned to the MAIN mode again.

FIG. 8B shows the definition contents (command icons) of the displayareas in the COMMAND window W2 correspondingly to command Nos. In thisdiagram, command Nos. 0_0-0_7 and 1_0-1_7 are included. These commandNos. correspond to the command items denoted respectively by the commandicons 0_0-0_7 and 1_0-1_7 described with reference to FIG. 8A.

According to this diagram, command No. 0_0 is defined as [source change]which is an item for changing the channel navigate mode and the tapenavigate mode.

Command No. 0_1 is defined as [extension change] which is an item forchanging “All” and “This” modes in the channel navigate mode and thetape navigate mode.

Command No. 0_2 is defined as [display detail on/off] for switching onor off the display in the detail box (A5).

Command No. 0_3 is defined as [display attribute change] which is anitem for selectively changing the display of the information relative tothe time of the program in the listing area. Command No. 0_4 is definedas [display arrange change] for changing the display order of theprograms in the listing area. Command No. 0_5 is defined as [displayobject change] for selecting a source in the listing area.

Command No. 0_6 and command No. 0_7 are not defined.

Command No. 1_0 is defined as [view] which is an item for viewing theprogram selected in the listing area.

Command No. 1_1 is defined as [rec] for execution of video recording(including reserved recording) of the program selected in the listingarea.

Command No. 1_2 is defined as [EPN set up] which is an item for settingup an EPN image in various manners. As will be described later, whenthis item is selected in the COMMAND mode, the operation is shifted tothe INPUT mode to display an INPUT window where required set-upparameters are displayed.

Command No. 1_3 is defined as [program edit] for editing the programselected in the listing area; and command No. 1_4 is defined as [tapeedit] for editing the video tape selected in the listing area. Wheneither of these command items for editing is selected, the operation isshifted to the INPUT mode to display an INPUT window where requiredediting parameters are displayed.

Command Nos. 1_5 to 1_7 are not defined.

More specifically, in the COMMAND mode, the command items defined by theabove command Nos. 0_0-0_7 and 1_0-1_7 are allocated respectively tocommand_0 mode and command_1 mode. And in such command_0 mode andcommand_1 mode, icons symbolizing the items of command Nos. 0_0-0_7 and1_0-1_7 are displayed in the areas A10-A17 of the COMMAND window W2.

The display area corresponding to any non-defined command No. is notdisplayed in the COMMAND window W2.

FIG. 6 shows a concrete display example of the COMMAND window W2. Inthis diagram, exemplary command icons employed in the command_0 mode aredisplayed in the areas A10-A15.

In the COMMAND mode where the COMMAND window W2 is displayed as shown inFIG. 6, a user can select a desired command item by manipulating, e.g.,the right key 13A-3 or left key 13A-4 and moving the cursor to therelevant display area in the COMMAND window W2. And if the EXE key 13A-5is manipulated in this state, the function corresponding to the selectedcommand item is executed. In another case, the operation is shifted tothe INPUT mode to display an INPUT window W3 where a parametercorresponding to the selected command item is displayed.

5. Explanation of INPUT Window

Next, a concrete display format of the INPUT window W3 will be explainedwith reference to FIGS. 9A-9C.

The entire display area of the INPUT window W3 is defined as an inputarea, which is displayed under the COMMAND window W2 as shown in FIG. 4for example.

A shift to the INPUT mode is shown in FIG. 9C. In the COMMAND mode forexample, when the EXE key 13A-5 is manipulated for entry in a statewhere a cursor is placed on a desired command icon (command item) by amanipulation of the cursor key or the like, the operation is shifted tothe INPUT mode to display the INPUT window W3, where a parametercorresponding to the selected command is displayed. In the INPUT mode,naturally the INPUT window W3 is rendered active.

When the EXE key 13A-5 is manipulated after any parameter to be changedin the INPUT window W3 for example is changed by a predeterminedmanipulation, then the INPUT window W3 is erased and instead the COMMANDwindow W2 is rendered active. That is, the operation is shifted from theINPUT mode to the COMMAND mode.

In FIG. 9B, there are shown definitions of the contents of parametersdisplayed in the INPUT window W3 with regard to four navigate modes of“All channel navigate”, “This channel navigate”, “All tape navigate”,and “This tape navigate”.

In this diagram, command items (see FIG. 8B) selected in the COMMANDmode are shown in the leftmost (vertical) column.

For example, when a command item of [display object change] is selectedin the COMMAND mode, it follows that a source in the listing area isselected. In this case, if “This channel navigate” mode or “This tapenavigate” mode is set as shown in FIG. 9B, there is displayed the INPUTwindow W3 where channel No. is inputted as a selected source.

When a command item of [display object change] is selected in “Allchannel (tape) navigate” mode, the INPUT window W3 is not displayed(i.e., the operation is not shifted to the INPUT mode).

When a command item of [rec] is selected in All (This) channel navigatemode, parameters representing tape speed, tape No. and recording startposition on tape are displayed in the INPUT window W3.

When a command item of [rec] is selected in: “All (This) tape navigate”mode, parameters representing recorded program, tape speed and recordingstart position on tape are displayed in the INPUT window W3.

In this embodiment, when a command item of [program edit] or [tape edit]is selected, the operation is not shifted to the INPUT mode in thepresent state, i.e., any editing function for the program or tape beingselected in the listing area is not set. Regarding the future, however,such editing function may be provided as well, and in this case,parameters corresponding to the command item of [program edit] or [tapeedit] are displayed in the INPUT window.

When a command item of [EPN set up] is selected in the COMMAND mode, theINPUT window W3 for EPN set up is displayed in either “All (This)channel navigate” mode or “All (This) tape navigate” mode.

Parameters displayed at this time in the INPUT window W3 are such asauto clock set, auto channel set, cable box set, data reception timeset, and channel skip.

The user is enabled to perform on/off setting of functions or to inputnumerical values by manipulating predetermined keys, which are disposedin the remote controller 13, correspondingly to parameters in the INPUTwindow displayed in the INPUT mode, as described. Keys to be manipulatedfor such on/off setting of parameters or input of numerical values maybe various ones inclusive of ten numeral keys, and it is possible toconstitute the apparatus in such a manner as to perform on/off settingof functions or to change input numerical values by means of the up key13A-1 and the down key 13A-2 for example. That is, the apparatus may beso constituted that, in the EPN mode, all control actions are executableby manipulation of merely a few keys shown in FIG. 2 out of the entirekeys provided in the remote controller 13, hence eliminating confusionin manipulation of the keys by the user.

6. Manipulation examples in EPN

Hereinafter some examples of manipulation in the EPN according to thisembodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIGS. 10A to 10E illustrate, together with displayed images,manipulation examples in selecting a desired program, which is to beviewed from now on by the user, from a program table displayed in an EPNpicture.

FIG. 10A represents a picture in the normal mode. In this state,actually an image of the broadcast program selected by the tuner 2 or animage of the video tape being reproduced by the VTR 11 is displayed as apicture P on the screen. If the EPN key 13-1 is manipulated in thisstate, the operation is shifted to the MAIN mode where, as shown in FIG.10B, a MAIN window W1 is displayed. It is supposed here that, in theMAIN window W1, All (This) channel navigate mode relative to thebroadcast program is set.

In the MAIN window W1 of FIG. 10B, a color bar CB is placed in thecolumn of a program “Sisters” in the listing area. After finding adesired program in this state, the user can place the color bar CBtherein by manipulating cursor keys.

Assume here that, for example, the user wants to view a program“Splash”.

In this case, the user manipulates the up key 13A-1 or the down key13A-2 out of the cursor keys to thereby place the color bar CB in thecolumn of program “Splash” as shown in FIG. 10C. And if the command key13-2 is manipulated in this state, a COMMAND window W2 is displayed asshown in FIG. 10D. Since the operation has been shifted from the MAINmode to the COMMAND mode at this time, the COMMAND window W2 is renderedactive.

Under the display condition of FIG. 10D, the user manipulates, ifnecessary, the command key 13-2 to set command_1 mode. And then the userplaces the cursor on a command item of [view], which corresponds tocommand No. 1_0, by manipulating the right key 13A-3 or the left key13A-4 (in this case, the cursor position is denoted with whitecharacters on a color background). If the EXE key 13A-5 is manipulatedin this state, the program “Splash” selected on the EPN picture by theuser is settled to be thereby displayed. Actually, an image of theprogram “Splash” is displayed as a selected picture P shown in FIG. 10E.In this case, the operation is naturally shifted to the normal mode dueto execution of the command item [view].

If a necessary manipulation is performed according to the same procedureas in FIG. 10 after “All (This) tape navigate” mode is set in a statewhere a tape cassette containing video-recorded data as tape librarydata is loaded in the VTR, then it is possible to search and reproducethe recorded program selected by the VTR 11. Such reproduction controlis possible by detecting a signal which is recorded on the control trackof a magnetic tape T and indicates the recording start position of therecorded program.

FIGS. 11A to 11F illustrate, together with displayed images,manipulation examples to be executed when the user reserves recording ofa desired program with reference to a program table displayed in an EPNpicture.

Similarly to the foregoing case from FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B, the operationis shifted to the MAIN mode to display a MAIN window by a manipulationof the EPN key 13-1 during display of a picture P in the normal mode ofFIG. 11A, and a desired program is selectable by manipulating cursorkeys in this state.

Suppose here that the user wants to record a program “Splash” withreservation. Differing from the foregoing case of FIG. 10 where theprogram “Splash” is being broadcast at the current time, it is assumedin FIG. 11 that this program is not being broadcast now and is scheduledto be broadcast later.

First, the user places a color bar CB in the column of the program“Splash” as shown in FIG. 11C by manipulating the up key 13A-1 or thedown key 13A-2. And if the command key 13-2 is manipulated in thisstate, a COMMAND window W2 is displayed as shown in FIG. 11D.

Under the display condition of FIG. 11D, the user manipulates, ifnecessary, the command key 13-2 to set command_1 mode. And then the userplaces the cursor on a command item of [rec], which corresponds tocommand No. 1_1, by manipulating the right key 13A-3 or the left key13A-4.

If the user manipulates the EXE key 13A-5 in this state, an INPUT windowW3 corresponding to the command item [rec] is displayed (i.e., theoperation is shifted to the INPUT mode where the INPUT window W3 isrendered active), as shown in FIG. 11E. Then the user executespredetermined setting in the INPUT window W3 for reserved recording ofthe desired program.

And is the EXE key 13A-5 is manipulated in the INPUT mode, the operationis shifted to the COMMAND mode, and then reserved recording of theprogram “Splash” selected on the EPN picture by the user is executed.

In this case, actually, an image in the COMMAND mode is displayed as aselected picture P shown in FIG. 11F.

7. Explanation of Processing Operations

Referring now to flowcharts of FIGS. 12 to 15, an explanation will begiven on the processing executed to realize control actions in responseto manipulations of the keys (shown in FIG. 2) in each mode. The systemcontroller 9 executes this processing operation.

FIG. 12 shows a processing operation in the normal mode. In thisroutine, when the normal mode is set at step S101, a manipulation of theEPN key 13-1 is waited at step S102. And upon decision signifying amanipulation of the EPN key 13-1, the operation proceeds to step S103 tobe shifted to the MAIN mode.

FIG. 13 shows a processing operation in the MAIN mode selected as an EPNmode.

First, upon shift to the MAIN mode at step S201, a decision is made atstep S202 as to whether the EPN key 13-1 has been manipulated or not.And if the result of this decision signifies a manipulation of the EPNkey 13-1, the operation proceeds to step S203 to be shifted to thenormal mode, so that the operation passes through this routine.

Meanwhile, if the result of the decision at step S202 signifies nomanipulation of the EPN key, the operation proceeds to step S204, whereanother decision is made as to whether the command key has beenmanipulated or not. And if the result of this decision signifies amanipulation of the command key 13-2, the operation proceeds to theCOMMAND mode. However, when the result of the above decision signifiesno manipulation of the command key, the operation proceeds to step S206.

At step S206, a decision is made as to whether the up key 13A-1 or thedown key 13A-2 has been manipulated or not. And if the result of thisdecision signifies a manipulation of the up key 13A-1 or the down key13A-2, the operation proceeds to step S207, where a color bar (see FIG.6) placed in the listing area A4 is moved upward or downward undercontrol, and then the operation proceeds to step S208. Meanwhile, if theresult of the decision at step S206 signifies no manipulation of the upkey 13A-1 or the down key 13A-2, the operation proceeds directly to stepS208.

At step S208, a decision is made as to whether the right key 13A-3 orthe left key 13A-4 has been manipulated or not. And the result of thisdecision signifies no manipulation or the right key 13A-3 or the leftkey 13A-4, the operation returns to the process of step S202. Meanwhile,if the result of the above decision signifies a manipulation of theright key 13A-3 or the left key 13A-4, the operation proceeds to stepS209, where the display is changed (see FIG. 7) by the slot function(see FIG. 7) according to the current All (This) channel navigate modeor “All (This) tape navigate” mode. And thereafter the operation returnsto step S202.

FIG. 14 shows a processing operation in the COMMAND mode selected as anEPN mode.

First, upon shift to the COMMAND mode at step S301, a decision is madeat step S302 as to whether the EPN key 13-1 has been manipulated or not.And if the result of this decision signifies a manipulation of the EPNkey, the operation proceeds to step S303 to be shifted to the normalmode. However, if the result of the above decision signifies nomanipulation of the EPN key, the operation proceeds to step S304.

At step S304, another decision is made as to whether the command key hasbeen manipulated or not. And if the result of this decision signifies amanipulation of the command key, the processes of steps S305, S306 andS307 are executed for transition of the mode described with reference toFIG. 8C.

Meanwhile, if the result of the decision at step S304 signifies nomanipulation of the command key, the operation proceeds to step S308,where a decision is made as to whether the right key 13A-3 or the leftkey 13A-4 has been manipulated or not. And if the result of thisdecision signifies a manipulation of the right key 13A-3 or the left key13A-4, the display is so controlled as to move the cursor between thedisplay areas in accordance with the direction of the key manipulation,and thereafter the operation proceeds to step S310. However, if theresult of the above decision signifies no manipulation of the right key13A-3 or the left key 13A-4, the operation proceeds directly to S310.

At step S310, a decision is made as to whether the EXE key 13A-5 hasbeen manipulated or not. And if the result of this decision signifies nomanipulation of the EXE key, the operation returns to step S302.However, if the result of the above decision signifies a manipulation ofthe EXE key 13A-5, the operation proceeds to step S311.

At step S311, either a process #1 or a process #2 is executed inaccordance with the kind of the selected command item.

The process #1 is executed to perform direct control of the operationconforming to the function of the command item being selected currently.More specifically, for example, this process corresponds to a controlaction for displaying a selected program, as shown in FIGS. 10D to 10E,by selecting a command item [view] in the COMMAND window W2 andmanipulating the EXE key.

Meanwhile the process #2 is executed, after shift to the INPUT mode, todisplay an INPUT window conforming to the command item being selectedcurrently. More specifically, this process corresponds to a displayoperation shown in FIGS. 10D to 10E.

FIG. 15 shows another processing operation in the INPUT mode selected asan EPN mode.

First, upon shift to the INPUT mode at step S401, a decision is made atstep S402 as to whether the EPN key 13-1 has been manipulated or not.And if the result of this decision signifies a manipulation of the EPNkey, the operation proceeds to step S403 to be shifted to the normalmode. However, if the result of the above decision signifies nomanipulation of the EPN key, the operation proceeds to step S404.

At step S404, another decision is made as to whether any entry has beeninputted by a manipulation of the predetermined key to change theparameter. And if the result of this decision signifies a manipulationof the predetermined key, the operation proceeds to step S405, where aprocess of changing the parameter is executed in accordance with the keyentry manipulation. And thereafter the operation proceeds to step S406.Meanwhile, if the result of the above decision signifies no manipulationof the key for changing the parameter, the operation proceeds directlyto step S406.

At step S406, a decision is made as to whether the EXE key has beenmanipulated or not. And if the result of this decision signifies nomanipulation of the EXE key, the operation returns to step S402.However, if the result of the above decision signifies a manipulation ofthe EXE key, the operation proceeds to step S407.

Subsequently at step S407, if there is any parameter changed by theprocess at step S405, the EPN setting is changed in accordance with theparameter. Thereafter the operation is shifted to the COMMAND mode atstep S408, and then passes through this routine.

Thus, as explained above, the present invention is so constituted as tobe capable of displaying, in accordance with each mode as an electricalprogram guide, program information relative to broadcast programs andalso recorded program information relative to broadcast programsrecorded in tape cassettes, so that a user is enabled to acquireinformation of both the broadcast programs and the recorded programs ina single electrical program guide system, whereby advantageous effectsare achievable in realizing a further useful electrical program guide.

According to such electrical program guide, it is possible to display,in window formats, a program information area (MAIN window), a commandarea (COMMAND window) and an input area (INPUT window) in the picture onthe screen. Consequently, differing from the known conventional displayformat, there never occurs an inconvenience that the entire contents ofthe displayed electrical program guide are switched wholly with eachchange of the mode, hence ensuring enhanced convenience in use.

Besides the above, when executing various control actions or inputmanipulations on the displayed electric program guide in the presentinvention, every manipulation is possible by the use of cursor keys(four direction indicating keys) for upward, downward, leftward andrightward motion and a small number of keys for transition of mode.Therefore, in case the apparatus is equipped with a multiplicity offunctions as an electrical program guide, the user is enabled to performa proper manipulation conforming to each desired object without anyconfusion.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove withreference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited to such embodiment alone, and avariety of modifications may be contrived as well. For example, theconcrete display formats of windows in the EPN mode or the display itemsdefined in each window may be modified in compliance with actualconditions of usage.

The scope of the invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by theappended claims.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. An apparatus for controlling display of anelectrical program guide, comprising: a broadcast program informationstorage unit for storing, as broadcast program information, theinformation relative to broadcast programs received; a recorded programinformation storage unit for storing, as recorded program information,the information relative to the broadcast programs recorded in recordingmedia; a display control unit capable of displaying, as an electricalprogram guide to provide the program related information, the programinformation relative to both the broadcast programs and the recordedprograms on the basis of the broadcast program information stored insaid broadcast program information storage unit and also the recordedprogram information stored in said recorded program information storageunit; and a manipulation unit for controlling manipulation of thedisplayed picture of said electrical program guide; said manipulationunit comprising: a first mode change manipulator for selectivelychanging the operation to an electrical program guide display mode or anormal image display mode; and a second mode change manipulator forselectively changing the operation to a display mode of broadcastprogram information or recorded program information, in the electricalprogram guide display mode.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 17,wherein said display control means is capable of displayingsimultaneously, as an electrical program guide, at least a programinformation area in the form of a window to display the programinformation, a command area in the form of a window to display items forselecting a manipulation command relative to said program guide, and aninput area in the form of a window to display items for inputting arequired parameter corresponding to the selected manipulation command.19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said manipulation unit furthercomprises a third mode change manipulator selectively changing theoperation to a mode where a manipulation on a command area is renderedactive, or to a mode where a manipulation on an input area is renderedactive; and a cursor motion manipulator adapted for manipulationrelative to at least the motion of a cursor or setting of parameters ona program information area, the command area and the input area.
 20. Amethod of controlling the display of an electrical program guidecomprising the steps of: storing, as broadcast program information, theinformation relative to broadcast programs received; storing, asrecorded program information, the information relative to the broadcastprograms recorded in recording media; and displaying, as an electricalprogram guide to provide as program related information, the programinformation relative to both the broadcast programs and the recordedprograms on the basis of the stored broadcast program information andalso the stored recorded program information.
 21. The method accordingto claim 20, further comprising the steps of selectively changing theoperation of the display to an electrical program guide display mode ora normal image display mode in response to operation by a manipulationunit, and selectively changing the operation to display broadcastprogram information or recorded program information in the electricalprogram guide display mode.